Highlights from the 2010 International Convention
Members praise educational opportunities, international spirit.
By Paul Sterman
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Marked by inspiring speakers, informative education sessions and a spirit of camaraderie, the 2010 Toastmasters International Convention provided a wealth of events and opportunities over a four-day span.
More than 1,600 speakers and leaders from around the world came to the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, California, Aug. 11-14. Highlights from the 79th annual Toastmasters International Convention included the crowning of David Henderson as the new World Champion of Public Speaking. He defeated eight other Toastmasters in a riveting final round of competition, held Aug. 14.
The San Antonio, Texas, resident won with a masterful speech that centered on a childhood friendship. His was among several deeply moving speeches delivered in the finals. “Someone should warn you every time you attend an International Speech Contest that you should bring Kleenex,” quipped Monnica Lamb, a Toastmaster in attendance.
The nine finalists in the speech contest had all advanced from the semifinals rounds two days earlier, when 81 presenters competed in the first semifinals ever held at the Convention.
New President Brings Business Background
Pat Johnson, DTM, from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, was elected by the membership to serve as the organization’s International President for the 2010-2011. She is only the fifth woman – and the first Canadian woman – to lead Toastmasters International. Johnson has long applied her communication and leadership skills to her professional career. An experienced trainer and professional speaker, she is assistant director for business education at the British Columbia Pension Corporation, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
In addition, new international officers and Board members were elected. Michael Notaro, of Alameda, California, was voted President-Elect; John Lau, of Kuching, Malaysia, as first Vice President; and George Yen, of Taipei, Taiwan, as Second Vice President.
New board members for all even-numbered regions were elected this year for a two-year term. The seven new Board members are: Kevin Doyle of Honolulu, Hawaii (Region 2); Jacqueline Schnider from Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Region 4); Gina Cook from Kanata, Ontario, Canada (Region 6); David Hollingshead from Jacksonville, Florida (Region 8); Roberta Perry from Los Angeles, California (Region 10); Mike Storkey from Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia (Region 12); and Gea Ban Peng from Singapore (Region 14). In 2011, new Board members for odd-numbered regions will be elected for the 2011-2013 term.
Top Speakers Wow the Crowd
The action-packed Convention included 10 education sessions led by high-profile presenters. In addition, veteran TV host – and Toastmaster – Todd Newton delivered an inspiring keynote presentation on the Convention’s opening night, while Golden Gavel award winner Carolyn Kepcher charmed the crowd with her acceptance speech at the Golden Gavel Dinner on Friday evening.
Many Toastmasters members said the Convention expanded their personal and professional horizons, noting that they learned a variety of new skills and connected with members from around the world. “There’s been so much happening all week,” said Lamb, DTM, a member of several clubs in Texas. “I’ve made new friends and collected many business cards. I made a friend from Australia, and we’ve already become Facebook friends.”
Nouf Al-Ammari, a legal researcher from Kuwait, came with fellow members of District 79. “It’s a huge experience,” she said of the Convention. “We learned a lot. We want to come back next year.”
She added that it’s poignant to see people from so many different cultures and nationalities find common ground.
“Toastmasters makes all differences melt away, because we’re all here for the same thing: to learn, to be better, and to be the best we can be,” said Al-Ammari.
The Accredited Speaker program also showcased outstanding speaking skills. Held Aug. 13, it featured four Toastmasters applying for this prestigious designation. Two were selected: Karen Twichell of Newport Beach, California, and Rochelle Rice of New York City. A member is selected as an Accredited Speaker if judges determine he or she has mastered professional-level public speaking techniques.
On Friday, the Hall of Fame program recognized districts from around the world for their accomplishments. Six districts were honored as President’s Distinguished (82, 47, 85, 25, 79 and 59), six districts as Select Distinguished (43, 46, 37, 57, 8 and 80) and 31 districts as Distinguished.
The 2010-2011 year marks a change in Toastmasters’ District Leader Training. For the first time, district governors and lieutenant governors received training at the International Convention; the sessions were held on the two days before the Convention officially started. In addition, seven mid-year training sessions will be held for the 14 regions.
Lamb, who is the LGM for District 50, said, “The two-day training was awesome. It was a very good experience to meet my peers in other districts and regions. In the training, and in the education sessions, I learned skills I hadn’t even thought of before, and I felt there was a lot of information I could share with my district when I get back home.”
Convention Resources
If you weren’t able to attend the Convention – or want to relive the experience – here are some helpful resources:
Social Networking Sites. Visit www.toastmasters.org/socialnetworking and join fellow members on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Read the daily accounts of the Convention events and share colorful photographs.
YouTube. Watch Convention video clips at www.YouTube.com/Toastmasters. For the first time, Convention staff was equipped with video cameras to bring a summary of the Convention events to the Toastmasters YouTube channel.
The Toastmasters Podcast. Listen to the Toastmasters Podcast with Bo Bennett and Ryan Levesque. These two hosts capture the Convention experience, talking to the international audience and making education fun! Listen to and watch live interviews with Past International President Gary Schmidt, International Speech Contest winner David Henderson and Convention attendees.
Video Recording. Video recordings of various Convention programs – such as the World Championship of Public Speaking and the education sessions – can be purchased from Bill Stephens Productions, Inc.
Paul Sterman is an associate editor for the Toastmaster magazine and a member of Le Gourmet Toastmasters in Costa Mesa, California.